Test & Measurement

To address the challenges that arise from 5G NR (New Radio) Release 17 relating to system performance and which will enable expansion into new applications, Rohde & Schwarz has introduced co-ordinated software options for its vector signal generators and signal and spectrum analysers.

Software options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and R&S FSW signal analysers have been upgraded to meet the latest requirements while the R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyser and R&S SMM100A vector signal generator also handle 5G NR Release 17.

5G NR is the global mobile broadband standard for a unified 5G wireless air interface. It accelerates mobile broadband experiences and extends mobile technology for new and emerging industries, explained Rohde  Schwarz.

Some key features for Release 17 include low latency communications for industrial IoT, integrated access and backhaul and radio access network slicing. In addition, 3GPP extends the frequency support to 71GHz which requires an adaptation of the physical layer, notably the addition of two new subcarrier spacings (480 and 960kHz), and the support of wider signal bandwidths up to 2.0GHz.

The enhanced dynamic front end module in the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser enable it to be used for evaluating communication components or systems, including 5G NR FR2 or IEEE 802.11ay/ad chipsets, amplifiers, user equipment and base stations.

Rohde & Schwarz has also introduced a 67GHz frequency option for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator which allows up to 72GHz in over-range mode. This ensures support of all planned higher frequency 5G bands, as well as the 60GHz WiGig band and inter-satellite links. The generator includes flat frequency response and four hardware-based levels of phase noise performance which apply to the new frequency options.

The latest 5G options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal analyser are available now. 

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com

IQ Signal Master MX280005A vector signal analysis software delivers expanded post processing measurements and analysis of IQ data files captured on an Anritsu Field Master Pro MS2090A, Remote Spectrum Monitor MS27201A, and Remote Spectrum Monitor MS2710xA spectrum analysers, claimed the company. The software is designed for challenging field environments. It can assist government regulators to inspect the RF spectrum, security agencies to track illegal or nefarious signals, spectrum owners to protect a licensed spectrum and defence electronics companies to analyse radar and EW (electronic warfare) signals, said Anritsu.

A suite of enhanced functions allows users to analyse the modulation of captured signals or replay the captured IQ data with enhanced resolution. It includes an IQ file browser with a detailed view of IQ file metadata, as well as an IQ data capture control that allows users to quickly configure the spectrum analyser for IQ data capture. A basic IQ data viewer that provides a quick and easy method to interpret images of any captured IQ data file to validate that the file contains information of interest is also included.  

An optional IQ file format converter enables IQ data captured using an Anritsu spectrum analyser to be converted to the format required by the Anritsu Vector Signal Generator MG3710E and downloaded for playback to enable simulation of captured signals in a controlled lab environment.  The VSA mode of the MX280005A features the same modulation quality measurements included in the initial release of the software. 

The expanded MX280005A enhances the performance of the Field Master Pro MS2090A, and Remote Spectrum Monitors MS27201A and MS2710XA, said Anritsu. The MS2090A has continuous frequency coverage from 9kHz to 54GHz and a 110MHz real time option to deliver a displayed average noise level (DANL) of -164dBm, and third order intercept (TOI) of +20dBm (typical). 

Wide area spectrum monitoring up to 43.5GHz can be conducted with the MS27201A.  Anritsu offers three models of remote spectrum monitors in the MX2710XA family. The MS27101A is housed in a half-rack enclosure with 1U height, the MS27102A is an IP67-rated device for outdoor applications and the MS27103A is a multi-port spectrum monitor for applications requiring the use of multiple antennas.

http://www.anritsu.com 

Pickering Interfaces has augmented its 4x-785C range of SP4T and SP6T microwave multiplexers with the addition of 67GHz terminated SP4T/SP6T modules to support the latest requirements of the 5G and semiconductor test sectors.

The 40-785C (PXI) and 42-785C (PXIe) modules feature internal relay terminations that can improve signal integrity. Devices feature panel and remote mount options that enable users to locate the switches at the most convenient location for their application; remote mount options occupy a single chassis slot but can control up to three switches, saving space.

The 4x-785C family is based on Radiall mechanical microwave switches. The addition of 67GHz 50 Ohms internally terminated switches allows unused channels of a test system to be terminated in the characteristic impedance of the signal path, maximising signal integrity.

Remote mount options connect each switch to the control module via a 1.5m cable to provide flexibility in switch positioning. This reduces the length of RF connections, maximising performance and minimising cabling costs. The chassis slot count is minimised as only three slots are required for a single configuration – or six slots for dual panel mount switch – or just a single slot for the remote mount versions.

Steve Edwards, switching product manager at Pickering Interfaces, said: “To aid with test system health monitoring, the 4x-785C family is provided with a switch cycle counting feature. Determining the number of operations per channel can help manage the wear-out process by allowing alternate lower usage paths to be substituted for high use channels.”

Pickering also offers interconnection cables to support RF applications, and its standard three-year warranty covers all modules.

Pickering Interfaces designs and manufactures modular signal switching and simulation for use in electronic test and verification. It claims to offer the largest range of switching and simulation products in the industry for PXI, LXI, and PCI applications. It also provides cables and connectors, diagnostic test tools, and application software and software drivers to support these products. The company operates and serves all electronics industries, including automotive, aerospace and defence, energy, industrial, communications, medical and semiconductor. 

The 4x-785C range of SP4T and SP6T microwave multiplexers will debut at International Microwave Symposium (IMS), (19 to 24 June) at the Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, at booth 11006.

https://www.pickeringtest.com